Button molding apparatus



A. A. SCOTT, JR., ETAL .BUTTON MOLDING APPARATUS May 2, 1'944.

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' BUTTON MOLDING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 7 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 May 2,1944. A. A. SCOTT, JR., ETAL.

BUTTON MOLDING APPARATUS Filed Jan. '7, 1941 y 10 Sheets-Sheet l0TUS-H51- #wf/wma A Tjiq'ln- October'18,` 1938.

STATES PAENT oFFlcE BUTTON MOLDING APPARATUS f Alexander A. Scott, Jr.,and Hart H. McNaughton, Knoxville, Tenn., assignors to The Patent ButtonCompany ot Tennessee, Knoxville,

Tenn., a corporation oi Tennessee Application January 7, 1941, SerialNo.`373,506

27 Claims. (Cl. 18-16) This invention relates to an improvement inmolding presses, and more particularly to the type of hydraulic pressesused 'for the molding of buttons and like small objectsof plasticmaterial that is adapted to be shaped in a mold. This invention is animprovement on the Button making machine set forth in the patent ofAlexander A. Scott,lJr., No. 2,133,906, granted 'I'he molding press setforth in said patent was provided with a plurality of molds, eachadapted to receive a pill of plastic material to be placed between themold parts for shaping and molding the same under the pressure of thehydraulic press. After separation of the mold parts, the buttons wereretained in the t'op mold parts, and provision was made for ejecting thebuttons therefromonto a receiving assembly that was inserted manuallybetween the mold parts,

the brushing out of the mold parts, leaving the latter clean and readyfor refilling.

In carrying out this object, we have provided mechanism associated withthe press which is operated automatically in response to the separationof the moldparts thereof, for intro-ducing a' receiving tray assemblybetween the mold parts, onto which the buttons are deposited by theejecting mechanism, which functions automatically without the necessityfor manual control and actuation by the operator. y

Provision is made also for the removal of the receiving assembly bypower means,` and for the automatic discharge of the buttons from thereceiving assembly into a. receiving receptacle adjacent the machineready for subsequent operations. These mechanisms are so associated withthe molding press as to be substantially automatic in action and torelieve the operator from the necessity of accomplishing the rseveraloperations f by hand', thereby enabling one operator to superintend theaction of several molding presses.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, together with a modlcaftionthereof, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is 'a side elevation of a` hydraulic molding press showing theinvention applied thereto; .'Fig. 2 is a detail longitudinal section ofthe receiving tray assembly and associated parts in dumping position;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through a portion ofthe pressand receiving tray assembly;

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the tray operatingmechanism:

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross section through press and receiving trayassembly therein;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section through a bottom mold part with a plasticpill thereon;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical section through a mold, showing theelecting pin and its support;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section through a unit of the Fig. 9 is a similarview of the receiving assembly unit associated with a depressing roller;

Fig. 10 is a detail section through the receiving assembly unit, showingthe stripping of a button therefrom;

Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the receiving tray assembly detached;

Fig. 12 is a partial sectional view therethrough;

Fig. 13 is a detail end view of a portion of the receiving assembly;

Fig. 14 is a partial plan view thereof;

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional view on the line l5-i5 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 16 is a similar view on the Fic. 14:

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of the receiving tray assembly and.associated parts;

Fig. 18 is a detail sectional view V,of the pressure roll mounting;

Fig. 19 is a similar view of a suspending mount,- ing therefor, on theline I 9--I 9 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 is a detail end elevationthereof;

Fig. 21 is a detail top plan view of a portion of the brush mounting,with parts broken away;

Fig. 22 is a detail'cross section thereof on the line 22-22 of Fig. 2l;

Fig. 23 is a side elevation, partly in section, ol thecleaning brushes;t

Fig. 24 is a top plan view of the electing mechanism;

Figq25 is a side elevation at right angles to Fig.v l, partly insection, of the moldingvpress an portion ofthe ejecting mechanism;

Fig. 26 is a verticalsection, partly inelevation,

une lsu-ls of .the

mechanism, with parts of the press broken away v and omitted forclearness of illustration;

Fig. 2'1 is a detail vertical section through a support for the ejectingmechanism, on the -line 21-21 of Fig. 25;

Fig. 28 is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical control for thebutton removing mechanisms associated with the press;

Fig. 29 is a detail cross section through a portion of the receivingassembly drive, on the line 29-29 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 35 is a similar view of the pulley thereof;

Zig. 36 is anend view of the slide, detached; an

Fig. 37- is a side elevation thereof.

The present invention is shown as applied to a hydraulic press ofconventional form, preferably of the type designed for automaticcontrol, at least of the movable platen. In some views, parts have beenbroken away, omitted, or shown in dotted lines for clearncss ofillustration.

As shown in Fig. 1, the press has a base I. above which is supported amovable platen 2 adapted to support the lower mold parts, and saidplaten 2 is carried by a hydraulic ram 3. The stationary frameconstituting the fixed platen is shown at 4, provided with the usualribs therein (Fig. 5), and connected with the base I by stress rods 6which serve to support 40 the same in fixed relation and to form guidesfor the platen 2, the latter being provided with yokes 1 thereonembracing the stress rods, as is evident from Figs. 1 and 25.

As shown in Fig. 3, the top frame 4 constituting the stationary platen,has secured to the under side thereof the usual hot plate 8, with itssteam passages 9 therein and insulated therefrom at I0. Secured to theunder side of the hot plate 8 is a mold plate I I provided with amultiplicity of orifices I2 therein, each adapted to receive an uppermold part, as hereinafter described.

A corresponding lower mold plate is shown at I3 having mold receivingorifices I4 therein, which mold plate I3 is mounted upon the lower hotplate I5, having steam passages I6 therein.

vThe lower hot plate I5 is supported upon the lower platen 2, withinsulation I1 therebetween. f The mold plates II and I3 support amultiplicity of molds therebetween, one for each button or other productto be molded, each mold being formed of upper and lower separablesections or parts I8 and I9 respectively received and xed in therespective orices I2 and `I4 of the upper and lower mold plates II andI3, as Shown more clearly in Fig. '1. The mold parts I8 and I9 areprovided with cooperating cavities therein properly formed to providethe required shape for the buttons, and each having opposed aligned pinsand 2l in the cavities of a size and number corresponding with the holesto be formed thereby in the buttons. The upper mold pins 20 haveperipheral notches or grooves 22 therein to retain the buttons in theupper mold parts after separation thereof until the buttons are ejectedtherefrom.

With the mold plates I I and I3 separated from each other by thedropping of the lower platen 2 on the ram 3, the molding material may beintroduced between the upper and lower mold parts, in the manner shownin Fig. 6. As illustrated, the molding material, in the form of pills P,one for each mold, is introduced between the mold parts I8 and I9. Eachpill P is placed on the lower mold part I9 substantially centrally ofthe cavity therein where it rests on the pins 2|. Then when the ram 3 isactuated to force the platen 2 upwardly, themold parts IB and I9 arebrought together, as shown in Fig. '1, under heat and pressure suilcientto expand the pill P substantially to ll the cavities in the mold partsand thus form a buttonB therein.

The mold parts remain in their closed positions long enough to set orharden the material, after which they are separated by the lowering ofthe ram 3 which moves the lower parts of the moldsl downward, leavingthe formed buttons B retained in the upper mold parts I8 by theengagement of the molded material in the notches or grooves 22 formed inthe pins 20. The buttons are thus retained in the upper mold parts readyfor removal by the ejecting mechanism and receiving assembly, ashereinafter described.

Button eyecting mechanism For ejecting the formed buttons from the uppermold parts, we utilize preferably ejecting pins 23 adapted for slidingmovement through orices 24 in the upper mold parts I8, one pin beingprovided for each mold. The pins 23 are supported on rods 25 extendingupwardly through the top frame 4, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

The upper end portion of each rod 25 is screwthreaded through anadjusting bearing 26 (Fig. 7) which is screw-threaded into a supportingplate 21, whereby proper adjustment may be made to locate the lower endof the pin 23 directly at the bottom of the cavity in the top mold partready to eject the formed button therefrom, and the rod may be readilyremoved for replacement or repair by the removal of the adjustingbearing 26 from the supporting plate 21. A lock nut 28 m'ay be providedon the upper end of the rod 25 to hold the same in its adjusted positionin the bearing 26. This structure corresponds substantially with thatset forth in Scott patent, No. 2,133,906, referred to above.

The supporting plate 21 is rigidly secured at its opposite edges tolower guide bars 29, as shown in Figs. 5, 24 and 27, which guide bars 29are spaced from upper guide bars 30 by blocks 3l, and secured in spacedrelation by bolts 32, -providing spaces between the guide bars adjacentopposite ends thereof forming slideways, as hereinafter described.

The guide bars 29 and 3U are mounted within a surrounding frame formedby side plates 33 and end plates 34 within which the guide bars 29 and38 are vertically movable, being confined at their opposite ends betweenone of the end plates 34 (at the left in Fig. 5) and thrust blocks 35spaced inwardly from the opposite end wall. whereby the guide bars mayslide vertically in the frame 33-34 but are confined against endwisemovement relative to the frame. The frame is supported at opposite sidesby upstanding supports 36 (Figs. 3,.24 and 25) which are rigidly securedto the side plates 33 and to the to p frame 4 of the press.

Extending transversely of the frame 33-34 are spaced parallel shafts 31and 38 (Fig. 5) the opposite ends, of which are supported by the sideplates 33. Pairs of links 39 and 40 are pivotally supported by therespective shafts 31 and 38 and extend downwardly therefrom, suspendingshafts 4I and 42 on the lower ends thereof respectively.

of a pair of thrust toggles 44 the opposite ends of which are connectedwith a pivot shaft 45.

Said pivot shaft connects the thrust toggles 44 with swinging toggles 46pivotally supported on a shaft 41 mounted in the opposite side plates 33of the surrounding frame.

The pivot shaft 45 is free for bodily -movement vertically andlongitudinally of the frame 33-34, but is supported by lifting bars 48connected with spaced portions thereof, as shown in Figs. 24 to 26. Saidlifting bars extend downwardly beside the mold plates II and I3, andhave the lowerl ends thereof slotted at 49 (Fig. 25) to receive alifting pin 58 secured by a bracket 5I to the movable lplaten 2. Thisprovides a lost motion connection between the movable platen andthelifting bars 48, but the lengthof the slots 49 is such that the pin 58will engage and cause a lifting movement of the bars 48 just before themold parts are moved together, to raise the toggle mechanism toits setposition, as shown in Fig. 5.

with the ejecting pins 23 in their raised positions as shown in Fig, '1.This is accomplished by moving the toggles 44-46 from their dotted linepositions in Fig. to their full line positions therein.

For supportingthe toggles in their raised positions when the mold partsare separated, I have provided also a supporting toggle connected withthe pivot shaft 45, comprising depending links 52 extendingdownwardtherefrom and having their lower ends pivotally connected at 52' with alocking member 53. The locking member 53 is pivotally supported at 54between bracket arms l55 which extend outwardly from and are rigidlysecured to a bracket 56 attached to the top frame 4, as shown in Figs. 5and 25. 'I'he outerl ends of the bracket/armsv55 are carried by astirrup frame 51 suspended from the frame 33-34.

When the depending links 52 are raised by the lifting bars 48, they arein the full line position shown in Figr, where they rest against anabutment 58, being held in this position by the weight applied therebyto the 'locking member 53, the center of the pivot 52' beirg then at theleft of the ncenter ofsthe pivot 54 in Fig. 5, `where the parts are thusretained until the locking member 53 is tripped to the dotted lineposition therein to allow the electing mechanism to be lowered.

For this purpose, a solenoid 59 is provided having a thrust armature 68in position to b ear against the free end of the locking member' 53 totrip the same. When the solenoid 59 is energized, the4 armature 60 ismoved to the left in Fig. 5 to swing the locking member 53, so as tomove the pivot 52' to the right of the center of respectively.

the pivot 54, when the supported weight thereon will continue themovement thereof quickly-with a snap action, substantially to the dottedline position, during which movement the ejecting mechanism will belowered to discharge thebuttons from the molds, as will be describedhereafter. The solenoid59 is mounted on a bracket 6I suspended from thestirrup frame 51.

The lifting bars 48 may be provided, if desired, with a weight 62 toassist in the quick dropping of the ejecting mechanism, and are alsoshown as connected with a shock absorber 63 through an arm 63a and alink 64 to cushion the dropping action of the ejecting mechanism and to'prevent breakage of the ejecting pins or other parts of the mechanism.The shock absorber 63 may be of any suitable construction as desired,such as a coiled spring or hydraulic device, which wil cushion thethrust imposed by the dropping action.

Button receiving assembly As shown in Fig. 1, the press has a pair oftrackways 65 extending transversely therethrough, which trackways arespaced apart on opposite sides of the mold plates II and I3, as shown inFigs. 5 and` 25, to permit vertical movement' of the bottom mold platetherebetween.

At their forward ends, the trackways U5 are provided with a transversestop 66 (Fig. 1), and are supported on brackets 61 suspended from thetop frame 4. The opposite or rearward ends of the trackways 65 aremounted on supporting legs 68 and are also supported intermediate theends thereof .on vertical side plates 69, which have the lower endsthereof secured` by brackets 18 to a side of the Vbase I, and having theupper ends thereof secured by brackets 1I to a side of the top frame 4.

'Extending parallel with the trackways 65 and beneath the latter is asupporting frame havingr side plates 12 supported atl their forward endsby the vertical plates 69, and at their rearward ends by the legs 68, towhich they are secured The rearward ends of the side plates 12 areconnected together by cross bars 13, extending beside and transverselybetween the legs 68, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.

Adapted for movement on the trackways 65 is areceiving tray assemblyshown in Figs. 3, 5 and 11 to 16, inclusive, adapted to receive thebuttons as they are ejected from the upper mold lparts I8, to remove thesame from the press.

This receiving assembly is constructed of a base plate 14 having bearingblocks 15 mounted thereon. The bearing blocks 15 are provided withanti-friction bearings 16 therein (Figs. 15 and 16), in which arejournaled axles 11, having wheels 18 mounted on the outerends thereof.The axles 11 extend transversely of 'opposite ends of the base plate 14and the wheels 16 are mounted on 'the trackways 65, as shown in Figs. 2and 5, for supporting the receiving assembly thereon and for moving thesame along the trackways.

Supported on theY base plate 14 and resting thereon, `is a pin plate 19'(F'ig. 3) having a multiplicity of pins 88. upstanding therefrom. Thevpins are arranged in groups or units to correspond substantially in sizeand position with the holes of the multiplicity of buttons to be moldedin the press, there being two or four pins to each button, according tothe number of holes formed thereon.

superimposed on the pin plate 19 is a stripping plate 8i having orificestherein of a size and position to register with and receive the pins -80therethrough and slidably intert therewith. The pins 80 are of a lengthto extend abovethe upper surface of the stripping plate when the latteris seated directly on the pin plate 19, as shown in Fig. 8, but thestripping plate is adapted for movement above the pins, as shown in Fig.10, to strip the buttons therefrom.

Extending downwardly from the under side of the base plate 14 andsecured thereto are L-shaped supporting blocks 82 (Fig. 12) forsupporting an under-carriage frame, said blocks having portionsunderlying cross ties 83 connected at opposite ends with side bars 84 ofsaid undercarriage and through which said under-carriage may besuspended from the base plate 14.

The under-carriage supports at one. end thereof, a pair of upstandinghinge posts 85 secured at their lower ends to the side bars `84 by bolts86, and' the upper ends of the posts 85 pivotally receive trunnions 81extending in opposite directions from one end of the stripping plate 8|,to form a pivotal support for said stripping plate on the posts 85,mounting the same on the undercarriage. The free edge of the strippingplate 8| rests upon supporting posts `88 attached by bolts 89 to theside bars 84 of the under-carriage.

Although the under-carriage is supported by the L-shaped blocks 82 fromthe base plate 14 in the position shown in Fig. 12, it is free to movevertically relative thereto to move the stripping plate 8| upwardlyrelative tothe pins supported by the base plate 14, to strip the buttonsfrom the pins. To accomplish this result, rollers 90 are `iournaled onthe connecting bolts 86 and 89 in positions' to engage and ride up oninclined portions of cams 9|, secured to the vinner faces of the sideplates 12, as shown in Figs. l to 3. The inclined portions of the cams9| push upward on the under-carriage, lifting it free from thesupporting blocks 82 and raising the posts 85 and 88 relative to thebase plate 14, thereby raising the stripping plate 8| to a point abovethe pins 80, substantially as shown in Fig. 10, thus leaving the buttonsfree on the upper surface of the stripping plate for ready removaltherefrom.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 21 to 23, the base plate 14 of the receivingassembly, has secured to one end ofthe under surface thereof, clamps 92receiving the inner ends of brush rods 93 which are adapted toI beclamped in place by clamping screws 94, as shown in Fig. 22.

' The outer end of each brush rod 93 has xed thereona pair of adjustinglinks 95, between which extend plate blocks 96, the opposite endsof'which are journaled in the adjustingr links 95 for turning movementrelative thereto. Brush plates 91 are secured rigidly to the plateblocks 96, and have brushes 98 mounted thereon, as shown in Fig. 23. Theadjusting links 95 form parallel links between the pair of brushes forsupporting them and for relative inward and outward movement upon therotation of the brush rods 93. Theclamps 92 may be loosened for thispurpose Yand then retightened by the clamping screws 94 for theadjustment of the brushes. This adjustment may be necessary to take upfor wear of the brushes, to obtain proper brushing action of the molds.

The brushes 98 should be adjusted the proper distance apart for brushingout the mold parts when the receiving assembly moves out of the presswith the ejected buttons thereon, to remove from the molds particles ofplastic material, flash parts, etc., leaving the molds clean forsubsequent operation.

We have provided a power driving connection for moving the receivingtray assembly into and out of the space between separated mold parts, asshown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 28. fixed to the under side of the' baseplate 14, which frame is substantially as shown in Fig. 14, and slidablyreceives therein a rod |00 (Fig. 4). A spring |0| is sleeved over therod 00 and is interposed between one end of the frame 99 and a bracket|02 fixed on the rod |00. A stop |03 is also fixed on the rod externallyof the frame for hunting the ,sliding movement of the rod in onedirection. The spring |0| forms a cushioned connection between thebracket |02 and the base. plate 14 of the receiving tray assembly.

The bracket |02 extends downwardly from the underside of the base plate14 (Fig. 29) and has secured therein a nut |04 receiving and threaded ona power screw |05. The screw |05 has its forward end journaled inbearings |06 (Fig. 3) carried by the side plates 69, while its rearwardend is journaled in bearings |01 supported on the under cross bar 13.The screw is `externally screw-threaded throughout its length, andthrough its threaded connection with the nut |04 attached to the bracket|02 rotation of the screw causes sliding movement of the buttonreceiving tray assembly lengthwise of the trackways 65 into and out ofthe space between sepa-- fixed to the upper side thereof, eachconstructed of hook shape, as shown in Fig. 3. The

blocks lllxare adapted to engage a dump shaft ||2 suspended by pivotlinks ||3 from a pivot shaft ||4 supported in the upstanding side plates69. The dump shaft ||2 is h eld normally in position to be engaged bythe dump blocks by upstanding supports I5 (Fig. 1), so that uponvoutward movement of the receiving assembly from between separated moldparts, said dump blocks engage the shaft after the stripping plate 8|has lifted the buttons off the pins as shown in Figs. 3, and furthermovement of the tray causes the stripping plate to be raised to theposition shown in Fig. 2, sliding the buttons oif the tray into a hopper||6 (Fig. 1) mounted between the side plates 12, which hopper ||6directs them into a receptacle I|1 disposed beneath the frame structure.

The pivot shaft ||4 extends between upright side supporting plates 69,in which it is mounted, and has suspended therefrom not only the pivotlinks ||3, but also roll supporting links H8, which are held in spacedlrelation by a sleeve H9 on which said links ||8 are xed, as shown inFigs. 1 7 and 19.

The lower ends of the links I8 support a press roll |20 that is fixed ona shaft |2| journaled in bearings |22 in the links ||8 for free turningmovement relative thereto. lThe press roll |20 has a covering |23 ofrelatively soft rubber or rubber-like material for engaging the buttonsas they are drawn out from the molds resting on the pins 80, as shown inFig. 8, to press the buttons down onthe pins, as shown in Fig. 9, andthereby to clean out the holes in the buttons by 4removing the flash`fins which are left in the A frame 99 is being grounded to the frame.v

animera holes at the points of juncture of the mold parts.

At opposite ends, the pivot shaft lid is provided with an eccentricextension |23 and |24', the former of which is shown in Figs. 19 and 20,as squared and mounted in an eccentric adjustment disc H25 journaled ina side plate 39 for turning movement relative thereto to vary the heightof the center of the mainbody of the shaft lit, and thereby raise orlower theK roll i2@ suspended therefrom, so as to apply the proper andrequired pressure to the buttons as they are withdrawn from the molds.The end portion tt' is journaled in the adjacent vertical side plate 69coaxialwith the eccentric disc 23, to turn therewith for uniformlyraising and lowering said body portion o'f the shaft dit. The adjustmentdisc dit has an arcuate slot it therein receivirg a clamping screw itlthat is connected with the side plate 53 for locking the adjustment disclZd in an adjusted position.

vRearwarcl swinging movement of the roll supporting links |63 is limitedby abutments |23 (Fig. 3) extending inwardly from the side plates 39.

Control system The electric control for the press is showndiagrammatically in Fig. 28, in which a power line |23 supplies currentto the electric motor |38 through a control switch 530. The controlswitch i3d is adapted to be controlled from a series of limit switchesoperative in resppnse to various conditions of the press, one of whichis shown at |3| connected through a line E32 with the control switch|30. and operated by an arm |33 attached to a side of the bottom platen3, whereby the lowering thereof closes the switch |3| to operate thecontrol switch |30 to supply current to the motor |08.

A second limit switch is shown at i3d in position to be closed by thearm 63a of shock absorber 33 when the ejecting pins have been moveddownward to eject the buttons from the -upper through a line |35 withthe control switch |30 to reverse the motor and withdraw the receivingtray from the press. The motor is stopped in this withdrawing movementby a limit switch |36 connected through a line |31 with the controlswitch which limit switch |36 is actuated by an arm |38 attached to theunder side ofthe bracket |02. f

The forward movement of the receiving tray into the press by the motoris stopped by a limit switch |39 connected through a line |40 with thecontrol switch |30, which limit switch |39 is actuated by the arm |38 asindicated in dotted lines in Fig. 28. The limit switch |39 is alsoconnected through a line |4| with a switch |42 in a power line |43,leading to the solenoid 59 to cause energizing of the solenoid andactuation of the Aswitches described are of conventional construction,well-known in the art and need not be illustrated in detail. vOnly oneelectric line is shown to each of the limit switches, the opposite sideOperation in molding buttons or similar products from synthetic gumresins or the like, the molding requires substantial heat and pressuremaintained a sumcient lengthof time for the setting of the resinousmaterial. The raw resinous material in the shape of small .pellets P, isintroduced into the molds when the mold parts are separated from eachother in the relation shown in Fig. 3. Each of the 'pellets should be ofa size to accommodate one mold, and is placed on the pins 2| of thebottom mold part i9, when the bottom platen 2 is in its lowermostposition. This may be accomplished manually by the operator or in anyother suitable way; and the ram 3 is then operated in the usual mannerto force the mold sections together under sumcient heat and pressure toaccomplish the molding action. a

After the buttons have become set in the molds or hardened to thedesired extent, as indicated in Fig. '7, the molds may be opened for theremoval of the buttons. This is accomplished by the lowering of the ram3 which moves the bottom mold sections downward, leaving the buttonsadhering to the upper mold parts i3 due to the notches 22 in the pinsthereof which retain the buttons in place therein until they arepositively ejected. p

When the ram reaches the limit of its downward movement, the arm |33(Fig. 28) carried thereby, engages and closes the limit switch |38 toclose a circuit through the line |32 to the control switch l30,operating the latter to connect the motor |08 with the power line |29,causing operation of the motor to rotate the screw |05 in a forwarddirection.

This moves the receiving assembly Iforward from the full line positionin Fig. 28 to the dotted line position therein, wherein it is disposedin the press between the mold-parts, ready to receive the buttons fromthe upper mold parts. The pins 30 of thel receiving assembly arearranged so as to be-disposed in direct alignment with the pins 20 ofthe upper mold parts when the receiving assembly is in its properposition in the' press, and with thev upper ends of .the pins 80 spacedrelatively close to the lower ends of the pins 20, as shown in Fig. 8.At this time, the pins project above the stripping plate 8|, since thelatter is in its lowermost position, the under-carriage that supportsthe stripping plate being suspended on the L-shaped brackets 82- from"the base plate 14.

When the receiving assembly moves to its receiving position in thepress, the arm |38 engages and actuates the contact arm of limit switch|39 to close a circuit through line |40 to the control switch |30 foropening the latter and deenergizing the electric motor |08. 'I'his stopsthe opera.-

tion of the power screw |05 with the receiving assembly in its receivingposition, as described.

The closing of the limit switch |39 also closes a. circuit through theline |4| to a control switch |42 in the power line |43 for' supplyingcurrent to the solenoid 59 to energize the latter. The ejecting rods 25are initially set in the. positions shown in Figs. 5 and 7, thesupporting plate 21 being raised and held in its raised position by theinclined position of the links 39 and 40 and the angular relation of thetoggle links 44 and 48. These toggle links are held in such angularposition by being supported on the supporting links 52 and lever 53 dueto the oil-center relation of 'the pivots 52 and 54. f

However, when the solenoidf59'is'-energized, it draws inward on its corearmature 30 to swing the lever 53 on its pivot 54, moving said leveryfrom its full line position in Fig. 5 to its dotted line positiontherein, this being accomplished with a quick motion when the pivot 52has moved past the dead center of the pivot 54, 'due to the superposedweight thereon. This shifting of the lever 53 swings the toggle linksrst to a straightened and then to a lower angular position, as shown indotted lines in Fig. 5. 'Ihe straightening of the toggle links 44, 46,causes downward swinging movement of the links 39, 40, pressing downwardon the supporting plate 21 and the ejecting rods 25. The pressure of thepins 23 (Fig. '7) on the buttons in the upper mold parts is suiilcientto break the connections with the notches 22, allowing the buttons todrop onto the pins 80 of the receiving assembly in the positions shownin Fig. 8.

When the lever 53 is thus tripped by the solenoid 58, the downwardmovement of the supports 48 under the iniluence of the weight 62 actsagainst the shock absorber ,63 to check the impact of the electingmechanism. The downward movement of the shock absorber arm 63a acts toclose limit switch |34 (Fig. 28), closing a circuit through a line |35to the control switch |30 through which the latter is closed to causereverse movement of the motor |08, rotating the screw in thereversedirection, thus withdrawing the receiving assembly from the press.

As the buttons move out of the press on pins 80, as shown in Fig. 8,they pass under pressure roll which is suspended normally on the links||8 bearing against the abutments |28, as shown -should be such as topress the buttons downward on the pins 80, as shown in Fig. 9, therebybreak. lng the ilash ilns which are left in the button holes by themolding operation, thus cleaning out the holes. v

After the receiving assembly passes under the roller |20, the rollers 90of the under-carriage engage and ride up on cams 8|, which raise theunder-carriage relative to the base plate 14, thus elevating the posts85 and 88, and lifting the stripping plate 8| to the position yshown inFigs. 3 and 10, which lifts the buttons oil the receiving pins 80,leaving them lying free on the stripping plate. l

As the receiving assembly continues its withdrawing movement, it passesunder the dump shaft |I2 (Fig. 3) which is engaged by the blocks so.that as the receiving assembly continues to move back on the traclcwaysby the power screw |05, the stripping plate 8| is caused to swing upwardfrom the position shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to the position shown in Fig.2, sliding the buttons off the stripping plate 0| into thehopper ||6 fordischarge into the receptacle H1, ready for the nnal finishing andpolishing operations of the usual character.

As the receiving assembly reaches the limit of its withdrawing movementand discharges the butare withdrawn also between the mold parts,brushing out the molds and cleaning them ready for a subsequentoperation.

Thus the molding and removing of the finished products is controlledautomatically by the operator who merely needs to nii the press'with themolding material -and to startA the operation of the :press in the usualway. the remainder of the operation resulting entirely automatically.

Modified power knock-out In Figs. 30 to 37 is shown a modied form ofknock-out device designed for operation of the pins which release andremove the molded buttons from the upper mold parts, dropping them ontothe retaining pins 80. In place of the toggle mechanism described above,the supporting plate 21a of the pin assembly to which a multiplicity ofpins 25a are attached, asshown in Fig. 31, is supported by upper andlower side bars 29a spaced apart and having guideways therebetween inwhich eccentrics |50 are mounted. The eccentrics are mounted on shafts|5| and |52, and are turned relative thereto, so that the high points ofthe eccentrics hold the plate 21a in its elevated position, and duringone revolution of the eccentrics, the knock-out pins 25a are' forceddown to eject the buttons from the upper mold parts.

The shafts |5| and |52 ,are connected together` by a sprocket chain |53,passing over a sprocket wheel |54 on the shaft l5|, and a sprocket wheel|55 on the shaft |52.

As shown in Fig. 32, the sprocket wheel |54 is fixed to the hub of'awheel |56 that is pinned on the shaft |5|, which wheel is shown in Fig.34. The wheel |56 has a radial guideway |51 therein slidably receiving aslide |58 mounted therein and normally pressed outward relative to thewheel by a spring |59interposed between the end of the guideway |51 andthe slide |58. The outer end of the slide |58 is formed With laterallyprojecting pins |60 and |6| (Figs. 36-3'1) Rotatably mounted on theouter end of the shaft |5| for turning movement relative thereto is adriving wheel |62 connected by a belt |63 with an electric motor |64.The driving wheel |62 has on the inner edge thereof ai; its periphery, alaterally projecting lug |65 in position to engage the pin |6| when theslide |58 is in the position shown in Figs. 32 and 34.

On the opposite side of the wheel |56 is a ilxed plate |66 having a camgroove |81 therein (Fig. 33) having an entrance mouth |68 at the bottomof the plate directly over a solenoid |69 adapted to be connected withthe limit switch |39 of Fig. 8, so as to be energized when the receivingassembly has been moved into the press.

When the solenoid |60 is energized, it starts the knock-out cycle bydrawing up on its armature |10, and moving the slide |58 into the mouth|68 in the upper dotted line position in Fig. 33. 'I'his positions thepin |8| in the path of the lug |65 during the operation of the drivingwheel |62 by the motor |64, so that rotationof the driving wheel willcause turning movement of the wheel |56 through one revolution at theend of which the cam |61 will move the slide |58 to its dotted lineposition in Fig. 34, with the pin 8| moved out of the path of the lug|65, thus stopping the rotation of the shafts |5| and |52. The cam plate|66 is supported on a side `of one of the supports 38a that carry theshafts |5| and |52 above the frame 4a.

The wheel |56 has a radial projection |1| on the periphery thereof inposition to engage and operate a limit switch |12 for timing the withdrawal of the receiving tray assembly with its load of buttons thereon.

As the shafts |5| and |62 are turned through one revolution, theeccentrics |58 thereon lower and raise the knock-out assembly carryingthe rods 25a, thereby electing the buttons from the Upper mold parts.

We claim:

1. A process of making products comprisingof substantially the same sizeas the hole with the web resting on the prong, removing the article onthe prong from proximity to the mold,- and thereafter further impalingthe article on the prong removing the web from the hole.

2. A process of making products comprising molding an article from aplastic material capable of being hardened and simultaneously with saidmolding thereof forming a hole therein with a web in said hole, ejectingsaid article after hardening from the mold onto an impaling prong ofsubstantially the same size as the hole with the web resting on theprong, removing the article on the prong from proximityto the mold, andthereafter furtherimpaling the article on the prong by forcing the prongthrough the hole breaking out and removing the web therefrom,

3.1i. process of making buttons comprising molding a button betweencooperating separable mold. parts from a plastic material capable ofbeing hardened and simultaneously with said molding thereof formingholes therein with webs in said holes, retaining the button in one ofthe mold parts after separation thereof, ejecting the button afterhardening from said mold part onto impaling prongs of substantially thesame size as the holes with the webs resting on the prongs, removing thebutton on the prongs from between the mold parts, thereafter furtherimpaling the button on the prongs -by forcing the prongs through theholes breaking out and removing the webs therefrom, and then removingthe button from the'prongs.

4. A process of making products comprising ymolding an article from aplastic material capable ticle is supported by the web resting on theprong, `and thereafter further impaling the article on the prongremoving the web from the hole.

5. In article molding apparatus, the combinad receiving device afteroperation of the ejecting means. 4

7. In article molding apparatus, the combination of coacting separablemold parts adapted to mold an article therebetween, one of the moldparts being constructed to retain the article therein after separationand having an opening therein, an ejector rod arranged to be projectedthrough said opening to remove the moldedy 'article from said mold part,a' receiving device, means for moving said receiving device into a'receiving position adjacent said mold part, and means for actuating saidejector rod automatically in response ,to'niovement of the receivingdevice into said receiving position.

8. In article molding apparatus, thevcombination of coacting separablemold parts adapted to mold an article therebetween, one of the moldparts being constructed to retain the article therein after separationand having an opening therein, an 'ejector rod extending upwardlythrough said opening and arranged vto be projected therethrough toremove the molded article from said mold part, a support for said rod.

'means mounting said support for -down and up mold an articletherebetween, one of the mold 'parts being constructed to retain thearticle `therein after separation, and having an opening therein, anejector 4rod extending upwardly through said opening and arranged to bepro jected therethrough to remove the molded article from said moldpart, a support for said rod,

means for guiding said support for up and down tion of coactingseparable mold 'parts adapted to i mold an article therebetween, one o1the mold parts being constructed to retain the article thereon afterseparation, means for ejecting the article from said mold part, a,receiving Ldevice,

means for moving said receiving device into a receiving positionadjacent said mold part, and

means actuated automatically in .response to movement of the receivingdevice to said receiving position for actuating the ejecting means.

6. In article molding lapparatus, the VAcombination of coactingseparable mold parts adapted to mold an. article therebetween, one ofthe mold parts being constructed to` retain the article therein aiterseparation, means for ejecting thearticle from said mold part, areceiving device, means for moving said receiving" device into areceiving position adjacent said-mold part, means actuated automaticallyinl response to movement of the receiving device to said receiving,position for `actuating the ejecting means to eject the article fromsaid mold part onto the receiving device, and means for automaticallyremoving the movement of the support relative to said guiding means,means connected with said-support and constructed for turning movementrelative there-A to for lowering and raising the support to eject theproduct from the mold part, a receiving device for the product, meansfor moving said receiving device into a receiving position adjacent themold part, and means for automatically. actuating the loweringandraising means upon movement of the receiving device into saldreceivingposition, said actuating means including an electro-magnet operativelyconnected with the lowering and raising means and alimit switchelectrically connected therewithl and arranged in receiving position. 5

1o. In article mowing apparatus, the combination of coacting separablemold partsadapted to mold an article .therebetween, one of the mold inposition for actuation by the receiving device vparts being constructedto retain the article thereon after separation, means for ejecting theAarticle from said mold part, a receiving device,

means for moving said receiving device into a receiving positionadjacent said mold part, and l means actuated by the receiving device insaid receiving position for actuating the ejecting means. y

i 11. In article molding apparatus, the combination of coactingseparable mold partsadapted to mold an article therebetween, one oi' themold parts being constructed to retain the articlel 'article therefrom,said ejecting means having a transverse slot, a guide in said slotmovable relative thereto and constructed for moving the ejecting meansdown and up, and means for actuating said guide including togglemechanism, and electro-magnetic means for actuating said togglemechanism.

12. In article molding apparatus, the combination of coacting separablemold parts adapted to mold an article therebetween, one of the moldparts being constructed to retain the article therein after separation,means extending. upwardly relative to said mold part for ejecting thearticle therefrom, said ejecting means having a transverse slot, a guidein said slot movable relative thereto and constructed for moving theejecting means down and up, means for actuating saidI guide includingtoggle mechanism connected wlth the guide, a latch 'connected with thetoggle mechanism for holding the same in a set position, and anelectro-magnet associated with the' latch for releasing the same foractuation of the electing means.

13. In article molding apparatus, the combination of separablemold partsadapted to mold an article therebetween, a receiving device for thearticle having means for engaging and holding the article thereon,guides supporting said receiving device thereon for movement to areceiving position between separated mold parts, a bracket havinglost-motion connection with said receiving device and having a vnutconnected therewith, a power screw having screw-threaded connection withsaid nut, and power means for driving said screw.

14.' In article molding apparatus, the combination of separable moldparts adapted to mold an article therebetweenj a receiving device forthe article having means for engaging and holding the article thereon,guides supporting said receiving device thereon for. movement'to areceiving position between separated mold parts, means for withdrawingsaid receiving device on the guides from said receiving position, meanson said receiving device and movable upwardly relative thereto forreleasing the article from the engaging and holding means, andcam meansasso-. ciated with the guides in position to raise said releasing meansupon the withdrawal of the receiving device from saidreceivingposition,A

15. A receiving device for the withdrawal of a perforated article from amolding press, comprising a trolleyA structure having a support thereonwith an upstanding prong for receiving the article thereon, anunder-carriage carried by said trolley structure and movable verticallyrelative thereto, and a plate pivotally connected with said undercarriage in position to engage under the article on the prong to liftsaid article therefrom,

16. In article molding apparatus, the combination of separable moldparts adapted to mold a perforated article therebetween with a web intheperforation thereof.l a receiving device removably tion of separablemold parts adapted to mold a perforated article therebetween with a webin the perforation thereof, a receiving device removably disposedbetween separated mold parts, said receiving device having an impalingprong for supporting the article thereon by engagement with the web,means for guiding the Withdrawal of the receiving device, means fordepressing the article on the prong to break the web and 'clean out theperforation thereof, said depressing means including a roller inposition to bear upon the article on the prong, and means supportingsaid roller for vertical adjustment relative to the receiving device.

18. A receiving device for a molded article having means for engagingand holding the article thereon, guides supporting said receiving devicethereon for movement to a receiving position at which it is adapted toreceive the article, means for withdrawing said receiving device on theguides from said receiving position, said receiving device having asupport pivotally mounted thereon for swinging movement relative to theengaging and holding means, said support being in position to remove`the article from said receiving device, and means for swinging saidsupport relative to the engaging and holding means to discharge thearticle therefrom automatically upon withdrawal of said receiving devicefrom receiving position.

19. In article molding apparatus, the combination of coacting separablemold parts adapted to mold an article therebetween, one :of l.themoldparts being constructed to retain the article thereon after separation,means for ejecting the varticle from said mold part, a receiving device,

means for moving said receiving .device into a receiving positionadjacent said mold `part, and means responsive to the movement-'of thereceiving device to said receiving position for actuating the ejectingmeans to eject the article from the mold part to the receiving device.

20. In article molding apparatus, .thelcombination of coacting separablemold ,partsadapted to mold an article therebetween, oneof the mold partsbeing constructed to retain the article thereon after separation, meansfor electing the article from said mold part, a receiving device,

.. means for moving said receiving device into a disposed betweenseparated mold parts, said -re 1v. In article mowing apparatus, thecombinau receiving position adjacent said mold part, and means actuatedby the receiving device upon movement to said receiving position forcausing .operation of the ejectlng means.

21. In article molding apparatus, the combination of coacting separablemold lparts adapted to mold an article'therebetween, .one of the moldparts being vconstructed to 'retain the anticle thereon afterseparation, means Yfor ejecting the article from lsaid mold part, Yareceiving device, means for :moving said receiving device into areceiving position adjacent .said `mold part. means including electricalcontrolling vmeans for operating the ejecting means, :and switch meanscon nected with the electrical fcontrolling means and so constructed andarranged as to =be closed in response to the movement of the receivingdevice to said receiving position for actuating the ejecting means.

22. In article molding apparatus, the combination of coacting separablemold parts adapted to mold an article therebetween. one of the moldAparts being constructed to retain the article thereon after separation,means for ejecting the .article therefrom, and means for. actuatingsaidejecting means including toggle mechanism. and

electro-magnetic means for actuating said toggle V mechanism.

23. In articlemolding apparatus, the-combination of coacting separablemold parts adapted to mold an article therebetween, one of the moldparts being constructed to retain the article thereon after separation,reciprocating means for ejecting the article therefrom, means forreciproeating said ejecting means including 4a rotatable deviceoperatively connected with the ejecting separation of said mold partsfor actuating the power means to move the receiving device to thereceiving position.

26. In article molding apparatus, the combination of separable moldparts adapted to mold an article therebetween, a receiving device forthe article, electrically actuated power means for moving said receivingdevice to a receiving posimeans, power means forV driving said rotatablev device,- and means forming a driving connection of said power meanswith said rotatable device through a predetermined cycle of 'operationthereof and constructed forgdisconnecting said driving connectiontherebetween after s aid cycle l of operation. l

,24. In article molding apparatus', the combination of a moldingstructure having separable mold parts adapted to 4mold .an articlethere-` between, trackways extending into the molding structure at'opposite sides of the mold parts, a

receiving device for the article mounted on the 'i trackways formovement thereon to a ,receiving position between separated moldpartsrelectri-A cally actuated power meansfor moving said receivingdevice to said receiving positionfand a limit switch connected vwithsaid power means and arranged for actuation bythe separation of movingsaid receiving devicevto a receiving position between separated mold.parts, and switch means arranged for actuation in response to the tionbetween separated mold parts, and switch means arranged for actuation inresponse to the separation of said mold parts for actuating the powermeans to move the receiving device to the receiving position, means forejecting the article from one of the mold parts to the receiving device,and means for actuating said ejecting means automatically in response tomovement of the receiving device to said receiving position.

27. In article molding apparatus, the combination of separable moldparts adapted to mold an article therebetween, a receiving device forthe article, electrically actuated power A meansfor ,moving saidreceiving device to a receiving -position between separated mold parts',switch means arranged for actuation in response tothe separation of saidmold parts for actuating the power 'means to move the receivingdevic'eto the receiv- ALEXANDER A. sco'r'r, Jn.

HART H. McNAUGHToN.

